Method and composition for preventing oxidation

ABSTRACT

A composition for inhibiting oxidation includes an anionic, hydrophilic, water soluble polymer, an anionic surfactant, and water.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No.61/816,006, filed Apr. 25, 2013, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

I. BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to preventing oxidation, and particularlyinhibiting coal oxidation.

2. Background

U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,056 discloses a method of inhibiting coal oxidationin a coal pile comprising coating all the surfaces of coal exposed toair with an oxidation inhibiting amount of a composition consistingessentially of a water soluble cationic polymer diluted in an aqueoussolution.

Coal exportation has been a growing market but the self-heating propertyof coal has presented many risks. Upon exposure to air, coal willoxidize and generate heat. The heat that is generated accumulates andcan cause ignition of the coal body. If a mass of coal burns, then thereare health risks involved for the workers that will be exposed to thefumes, environmental concerns as large amounts of noxious gases areemitted, and the product is lost in transit. Coal can spend up to acouple weeks in a railcar and up to a month in the hold of a ship. Alarge mass of coal given that much time to heat up is going to be proneto spontaneous combustion. Due to the risks involved with spontaneouscombustion, a treatment method to inhibit this reaction is needed.

Spontaneous combustion of coal is the process of self-heating resultingeventually in its ignition without the application of external heat.Coal when exposed to air absorbs oxygen at the uncovered surface. Somefraction of the exposed coal substance absorbs oxygen at a faster ratethan others and the oxidation results in the formation of gases. MainlyCO, CO₂, water vapor along with the evolution of heat during thechemical reaction. If the rate of dissipation of heat is slow withrespect to the evolution of heat by oxidation there is a gradual buildupof heat and temperature reaches the ignition point of coal therebycausing fire.

Favorable conditions for spontaneous heating are accumulation of heatcaused by a rise in temperature and hence an increase in the reactionrate. Although, at ambient temperature, the reaction can be so slow thatit is unnoticed, when heat accumulates the temperature is raised and,the reaction rate increases exponential. The increased rate of reactioncan be described by Arrhenius law, ν=c_(r)c_(o)Ae^((Ea/RT)), whereν=reaction (mol/g·s), c_(r)=combustible concentration (kg/m³),c_(o)=oxygen concentration, A=Arrhenius Frequency Factor (s⁻¹ ors⁻¹C^(1-n)), E_(a)=Activation energy (kJ/mole), R=universal gasconstant=8.314 J/mole·K, and T=temperature (K). The oxidation rateequation of coal was established according to the chemical kineticequations of spontaneous combustion of coal. Coal oxidation is anexothermic reaction. The equation of this exothermic reaction is:coal+O₂→production+Q, where Q is the oxidation reaction heat, J/mol.

The law of mass action in chemical kinetic reactions shows that thereaction rate is a function of the concentration of the reactant at agiven temperature. The rate of reaction of spontaneous combustion ofcoal is as follows: K′=kC^(m) _(c)C^(n) _(O2) where K′ is the rate ofreaction, k the reaction rate constant and m+n the reaction index. Massexperiments have shown that temperature has a great effect on the rateof chemical reaction. Under normal conditions, as the temperature rises10° C., the reaction rate will increase approximately 2 to 4 times. Therate of coal oxidation increases quickly as the reaction temperaturerises. The rate equation of chemical reaction is: k=k₀ ^((−E/RT)) wherek is the reaction rate constant. Various units can be used according todifferent circumstances. For example, the amount of oxide production perunit time is expressed in mol/s; k₀ is the frequency factor, with thesame unit as k; E is the activation energy, J/mol, and R the gasconstant: R=8.314 J/mole·K. Using the mathematical model of the shortestspontaneous coal combustion period and the basic theory ofthermodynamics, the equation for the time of spontaneous combustion ofcoal at the prevailing temperatures is as follows:t=(C_(p)(T_(kp)−T₀)+W_(p)λ/100)/(3600 X 24K_(cp)C_(O2)Q), where trepresents the time from normal temperature to the critical temperature,d; T₀ is the original temperature of the coal-rock mass; T_(kp) is thecritical temperature causing the coal temperature to rise, K; W_(p) isthe total content of water in the coal, %; C_(p) is the average specificheat of the coal from normal temperature to the critical temperature,J/kg·K); λ represents the absorption heat when water evaporates J/kg; Qis the absorption heat of coal absorbing oxygen, J/m³ and K_(cp) is thevelocity constant of absorption of oxygen during the period of(T₀−T_(kp), m³/(kg·s).

The propensity of colliery wastes to combust spontaneously, is relatedto the specific ability of seams or splits of seams to self-heat duringor after mining. The instances of burning coal wastes are increasingwith the increase in the percentage of coal mined by open cut methods.Wastes created in open cut mining often contain coal from seams andsplits that for either reasons of quality and/or thickness are notreclaimed. This coal is often blended with the overburden by the heavymachinery used in mining, and if liable to spontaneous combustionresults in numerous pockets of heating across and through the wastes.This process of spreading the source of heating through the overburdenmakes reclamation of mined out areas very awkward and in two casesreclamation has failed over large areas due to spontaneous combustion.

Spontaneous combustion in washery rejects has also been a problem inwith coal from certain seams. Washery rejects can be seen burning aftermany years in a number of locations in New South Wales. The extent ofenvironmental impact of such reject fires however is less in potentialthan that from burning overburden, in that the rejects are normally moreconcentrated and not as extensive(and therefore more easily disposed ofby deep burial) as overburden.

Colliery rejects are also often able to be re-washed to obtain otherwiselost coal values, while at the same time reducing the propensity forspontaneous combustion.

Other sources of environmental damage from coal spontaneous combustionare burning coal stockpiles and in situ coal seams. These sources ofpollution are normally short lived due to the economic cost of losingmined or minable coal.

There are number factor which contribute to the process of spontaneouscombustion of coal. The most important parameters involved in theprocess of spontaneous combustion of coal are: Factors inherent tocoal—size of the coal particles and surface area, moisture content, coalcomposition, quality and rank of coal, and heat conductivity of theparticles; Extrinsic conditions—degree of compaction, temperature,barometric pressure, oxygen concentration, and dimensions and shape ofstockpile.

II. SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a composition includesanionic polyacrylamide (anionic PAM), sodium alpha olefin sulfonate(sodium AOS), and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a hydrophilic, synthetic, water soluble polymer, sodium alphaolefin sulfonate (sodium AOS), and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes methylcellulose, sodium alpha olefin sulfonate (sodium AOS),and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a xanthan gum, sodium alpha olefin sulfonate (sodium AOS), andwater.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a guar gum, sodium alpha olefin sulfonate (sodium AOS), andwater.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a lignin sulfonate, sodium alpha olefin sulfonate (sodium AOS),and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes anionic polyacrylamide (anionic PAM), ammonium lauryl sulfate,and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a hydrophilic, synthetic, water soluble polymer, ammoniumlauryl sulfate, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes methylcellulose, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a xanthan gum, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a guar gum, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a lignin sulfonate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes anionic polyacrylamide (anionic PAM), sodium lauryl sulfate,and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a hydrophilic, synthetic, water soluble polymer, sodium laurylsulfate, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes methylcellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a xanthan gum, sodium lauryl sulfate, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a guar gum, sodium lauryl sulfate, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a lignin sulfonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes anionic polyacrylamide (anionic PAM), sodium dioctylsolfosuccinate (SDOSS), a co-solvent, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a hydrophilic, synthetic, water soluble polymer, SDOSS, aco-solvent, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes methylcellulose, SDOSS, a co-solvent, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a xanthan gum, SDOSS, a co-solvent, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a guar gum, SDOSS, a co-solvent, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a lignin sulfonate, SDOSS, a co-solvent, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes anionic polyacrylamide (anionic PAM), sodium dioctylsolfosuccinate (SDOSS), ethanol/glycerin, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a hydrophilic, synthetic, water soluble polymer, SDOSS,ethanol/glycerin, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes methylcellulose, SDOSS, ethanol/glycerin, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a xanthan gum, SDOSS, ethanol/glycerin, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a guar gum, SDOSS, ethanol/glycerin, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a lignin sulfonate, SDOSS, ethanol/glycerin, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes anionic polyacrylamide (anionic PAM), sodium dioctylsolfosuccinate (SDOSS), isopropyl alcohol/glycerin, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a hydrophilic, synthetic, water soluble polymer, SDOSS,isopropyl alcohol/glycerin, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes methylcellulose, SDOSS, isopropyl alcohol/glycerin, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a xanthan gum, SDOSS, isopropyl alcohol/glycerin, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a guar gum, SDOSS, isopropyl alcohol/glycerin, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a lignin sulfonate, SDOSS, isopropyl alcohol/glycerin, andwater.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes anionic polyacrylamide (anionic PAM), sodium dioctylsolfosuccinate (SDOSS), ethanol/glycol, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a hydrophilic, synthetic, water soluble polymer, SDOSS,ethanol/glycol, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes methylcellulose, SDOSS, ethanol/glycol, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a xanthan gum, SDOSS, ethanol/glycol, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a guar gum, SDOSS, ethanol/glycol, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a lignin sulfonate, SDOSS, ethanol/glycol, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes anionic polyacrylamide (anionic PAM), sodium dioctylsolfosuccinate (SDOSS), isopropyl alcohol/glycol, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a hydrophilic, synthetic, water soluble polymer, SDOSS,isopropyl alcohol/glycol, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes methylcellulose, SDOSS, isopropyl alcohol/glycol, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a xanthan gum, SDOSS, isopropyl alcohol/glycol, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a guar gum, SDOSS, isopropyl alcohol/glycol, and water.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a compositionincludes a lignin sulfonate, SDOSS, isopropyl alcohol/glycol, and water.

For all of the above aspects, the anionic PAM, the hydrophilic,synthetic water soluble polymer, the methylcellulose, the xanthan gum,the guar gum, and the lignin sulfonate can be between about 0.1% toabout 20% by weight, and within this range, can be between about 0.1% toabout 10% by weight and can be between about 10% to about 20% by weight.The sodium AOS, the ammonium lauryl sulfate, and the sodium laurylsulfate, can be between about 2% to about 38% by weight, and within thisrange, can be between about 2% to about 8% by weight, and can be betweenabout 8% to about 38% by weight. The water can be between about 42% toabout 97.9% by weight, and within this range can be between about 42% toabout 82% by weight and can be between about 82% to about 97.9% byweight. When using SDOSS, the SDOSS is between about 0.4% to about 4.8%by weight, the co-solvent is between about 1.0% to about 11.1% byweight, and the water is between about 64.1% to about 98.5% by weight.

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the invention are theability to effectively inhibit spontaneous combustion.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement ofparts, at least one embodiment of which will be described in detail inthis specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings whichform a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows gas cylinders;

FIG. 2 shows a gas lattice;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a sample chamber;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the sample chamber;

FIG. 5 shows a vacuum oven and vacuum pump;

FIG. 6 shows a front view of an adiabatic oven;

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the adiabatic oven;

FIG. 8 shows a control panel;

FIG. 9 shows a lattice and the adiabatic oven;

FIG. 10 shows the adiabatic oven;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of a test chamber;

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the test chamber;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic of the adiabatic oven;

FIG. 14 shows test data of temperature v. time-coal oxidation; and,

FIG. 15 shows test data of temperature change v. time.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, a composition for inhibiting and delaying oxidationincludes anionic polyacrylamide (anionic PAM), sodium alpha olefinsulfonate (sodium AOS), and water. Polyacrylamide is a polymer(—CH₂CHCONH₂—) formed from acrylamide subunits. It can be synthesized asa simple linear-chain structure or cross-linked, typically usingN,N′-methylenebisacrylamide. PAM is a hydrophilic, synthetic, watersoluble polymer. Sodium AOS, which is a mild anionic surfactant, is usedas a wetting agent. In one embodiment the anionic PAM is about 10% byweight, the sodium AOS is about 8% by weight, and the water is about 82%by weight. In this embodiment, the anionic PAM can be between about 0.1%to about 20% by weight (including, but not limited to, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20), the sodium AOS can be between about 2%and about 38% by weight (including, but not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38), and the watercan be between about 42% and about 97.9 percent by weight (including,but not limited to, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54,55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72,73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90,91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, and 97.9). In this embodiment, the anionicPAM can be between about 0.1% to about 10% by weight and can be betweenabout 10% to about 20% by weight, the sodium AOS can be between about 2%to about 8% by weight and can be between about 8% to about 38% byweight, the water can be between about 42% to about 82% by weight andcan be between about 82% to about 97.9% by weight.

Although anionic PAM is used in the above embodiment, it is to beunderstood that other hydrophilic, water soluble, synthetic polymers canalso be used. One example of another polymer that can be used ismethylcellulose. The methylcellulose can be between about 0.1% to about20% by weight (including, but not limited to, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5,0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, 18, 19, and 20), and within this range can be between about 0.1%to about 10% by weight and can be between about 10% to about 20% byweight. Beside the anionic PAM and methylcellulose, naturally occurringbiopolymers can also be used. Examples of these biopolymers are xanthangum, guar gum, and lignin sulfonate. The ranges for the biopolymers arethe same as the ranges for the anionic PAM and methylcellulose.

It is to be understood that, beside sodium AOS, other anionicsurfactants can also be used. Examples of these surfactants are ammoniumlauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate(SDOSS). The two lauryl sulfates can be between about 2% to about 38% byweight (including, but not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38), and within this range can bebetween about 2% to about 8% by weight and can be between about 8% toabout 38% by weight. When SDOSS is used, a co-solvent is used tofacilitate complete solubility in water. The SDOSS is between about 0.4%to about 4.8% by weight, the co-solvent is between about 1.0% to about11.1% by weight, and the water is between about 64.1% to about 98.5% byweight. In all of the embodiments that do not use SDOSS, the compositioncan be utilized without a solvent.

In one embodiment, the composition includes anionic PAM, SDOSS,diethylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, and water, wherein the diethyleneglycol/isopropyl alcohol is a co-solvent to facilitate completesolubility of the SDOSS in the water. In one embodiment, the anionic PAMis 10% by weight, the SDOSS is 1.6% by weight, the diethylene glycol is3.5% by weight, the isopropyl alcohol is 0.2% by weight, and the wateris 84.7% weight. Within this embodiment, the anionic PAM can be betweenabout 0.1% to about 20% by weight (including, but not limited to, 0.1,0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20), and within this range canbe between about 0.1% to about 10% by weight and can be between about10% to about 20% by weight, the SDOSS can be between about 0.4% to about4.8% (including, but not limited to, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0,1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4,2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.83.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, and 4.8) by weight, andwithin this range can be between about 0.4% to 1.6% by weight and can bebetween about 1.6% to about 4.8% by weight, the co-solvent can bebetween about 1.0% to about 11.1% by weight (including, but not limitedto 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3,2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7,3.8 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1,5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5,6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9,8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3,9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10.0, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6,10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 11.0, and 11.1), and within this range can betweenabout 1.0% to about 3.7% by weight and can be between about 3.7% toabout 11.1% by weight, and the water can be between about 64.1% to about98.5% by weight (64.1, 64.2, 64.3, 64.4, 64.5, 64.6, 64.7, 64.8, 64.9,65.0, 65.1, 65.2, 65.3, 65.4, 65.5, 65.6, 65.7, 65.8, 65.9, 66.0, 66.1,66.2, 66.3, 66.4, 66.5, 66.6, 66.7, 66.8, 66.9, 67.0, 67.1, 67.2, 67.3,67.4, 67.5, 67.6, 67.7, 67.8, 67.9, 68.0, 68.1, 68.2, 68.3, 68.4, 68.5,68.6, 68.7, 68.8, 68.9, 69.0, 69.1, 69.2, 69.3, 69.4, 69.5, 69.6, 69.7,69.8, 69.9, 70.0, 70.1, 70.2, 70.3, 70.4, 70.5, 70.6, 70.7, 70.8, 70.9,71.0, 71.1, 71.2, 71.3, 71.4, 71.5, 71.6, 71.7, 71.8, 71.9, 72.0, 72.1,72.2, 72.3, 72.4, 72.5, 72.6, 72.7, 72.8, 72.9, 73.0, 73.1, 73.2, 73.3,73.4, 73.5, 73.6, 73.7, 73.8, 73.9, 74.0, 74.1, 74.2, 74.3, 74.4, 74.5,74.6, 74.7, 74.8, 74.9, 75.0, 75.1, 75.2, 75.3, 75.4, 75.5, 75.6, 75.7,75.8, 75.9, 76.0, 76.1, 76.2, 76.3, 76.4, 76.5, 76.6, 76.7, 76.8, 76.9,77.0, 77.1, 77.2, 77.3, 77.4, 77.5, 77.6, 77.7, 77.8, 77.9, 78.0, 78.1,78.2, 78.3, 78.4, 78.5, 78.6, 78.7, 78.8, 78.9, 79.0, 79.1, 79.2, 79.3,79.4, 79.5, 79.6, 79.7, 79.8, 79.9, 80.0, 80.1, 80.2, 80.3, 80.4, 80.5,80.6, 80.7, 80.8, 80.9, 81.0, 81.1, 81.2, 81.3, 81.4, 81.5, 81.6, 81.7,81.8, 81.9, 82.0, 82.1, 82.2, 82.3, 82.4, 82.5, 82.6, 82.7, 82.8, 82.9,83.0, 83.1, 83.2, 83.3, 83.4, 83.5, 83.6, 83.7, 83.8, 83.9, 84.0, 84.1,84.2, 84.3, 84.4, 84.5, 84.6, 84.7, 84.8, 84.9, 85.0, 85.1, 85.2, 85.3,85.4, 85.5, 85.6, 85.7, 85.8, 85.9, 86.0, 86.1, 86.2, 86.3, 86.4, 86.5,86.6, 86.7, 86.8, 86.9, 87.0, 87.1, 87.2, 87.3, 87.4, 87.5, 87.6, 87.7,87.8, 87.9, 88.0, 88.1, 88.2, 88.3, 88.4, 88.5, 88.6, 88.7, 88.8, 88.9,89.0, 89.1, 89.2, 89.3, 89.4, 89.5, 89.6, 89.7, 89.8, 89.9, 90.0, 90.1,90.2, 90.3, 90.4, 90.5, 90.6, 90.7, 90.8, 90.9, 91.0, 91.1, 91.2, 91.3,91.4, 91.5, 91.6, 91.7, 91.8, 91.9, 92.0, 92.1, 92.2, 92.3, 92.4, 92.5,92.6, 92.7, 92.8, 92.9, 93.0, 93.1, 93.2, 93.3, 93.4, 93.5, 93.6, 93.7,93.8, 93.9, 94.0, 94.1, 94.2, 94.3, 94.4, 94.5, 94.6, 94.7, 94.8, 94.9,95.0, 95.1, 95.2, 95.3, 95.4, 95.5, 95.6, 95.7, 95.8, 95.9, 96.0, 96.1,96.2, 96.3, 96.4, 96.5, 96.6, 96.7, 96.8, 96.9, 97.0, 97.1, 97.2, 97.3,97.4, 97.5, 97.6, 97.7, 97.8, 97.9, 98.0, 98.1, 98.2, 98.3, 98.4, and98.5) and within this range can be between 64.1% to 84.7% by weight andcan be between about 84.7% to about 98.5% by weight. In this embodiment,the co-solvent is diethylene glycol/isopropyl alcohol, wherein thediethylene glycol can be between about 0.9% to about 10.5% by weight(including, but not limited to, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6,1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0,3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4,4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8,5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2,7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6,8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10.0,10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, and 10.5) and within this range can be betweenabout 0.9% to about 3.5% by weight and can be between about 3.5% toabout 10.5% by weight, and the isopropyl alcohol can be between about0.1% to about 0.6% by weight (including, but not limited to, 0.1, 0.2,0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6) and within this range can be between about 0.1%to about 0.2% by weight, and can be between about 0.2% to about 0.6% byweight.

The composition, in any of its embodiment, can be applied as a treatmentin a water spray or foam during coal handling processes, such as loadingrailcars, trucks, and ships, or into coal stockpiles. The composition isdiluted with water at a rate of about 1 part composition to about 50 toabout 400 parts water by weight. The water spray or foam application hasthe benefit of decreasing airborne dust during handling operations.

The composition, in any of its embodiments, can be applied as a surfacetreatment once a vessel is loaded or the stockpile created. Thecomposition is diluted with water at a rate of about 1 part compositionto about 10 to about 25 parts water by weight. The surface treatmentapplication has the benefit of decreasing airborne particulates duringshort term storage of coal.

The composition has three mechanisms that slow the oxidation process,and delay or eliminate the incidence of spontaneous combustion. Thecomposition penetrates into the surface of the particles, and fillsvoids (creating no place for the oxygen to attach to reactive sites onthe particles), blocks infiltration of oxygen into the voids, and slowsevaporation of water. As water evaporates from low ranked coal, itcauses small fissures in the surface to expand and split the largerparticles into smaller particles, thereby exposing new sites foroxidation to occur, so the slowing of evaporation helps slow oxidation.The composition also coats the surface of the particles, acting as abarrier to oxygen attack. The composition also binds smaller particlestogether, thereby reducing potential for impact during transit,minimizing breaking of the coal, which would expose new surfaces. Italso reduces friction between particles, and since friction generatesheat and heat exacerbates spontaneous combustion, the reduction offriction is an added benefit.

Example 1

In one embodiment of the present invention, coal was separated intoplastic bins and set out for 24 hours to allow excess moisture toevaporate. Once the external moisture was removed from the coal,approximately 2 kg of coal was poured into a No. 10 sieve (2000 μm),which was attached to a No. 60 sieve (250 μm) and a collection pan andthen covered with a lid. The coal sample was then shaken by hand forapproximately 30 seconds, then the No. 10 sieve was removed and all ofthe coal in it was placed in a 5-gallon bucket. The lid was placed onthe No. 60 sieve and the sample was shaken by hand for another 45seconds. After shaking, any coal still in the No. 60 sieve was placed ina different 5-gallon bucket than the previous larger pieces, and theparticles collected in the pan were weighed out into a 1-quart plasticbag. This process was repeated until all of the coal had been shaken.Once 400 g of coal <250 μm was in a bag, it was sealed and labeled andthen filling resumed in a new bag. After shaking all of the coal, thefiner particles that did not pass through the No. 60 sieve were crushedusing a mortar and pestle. Once crushed, the coal was placed in the No.60 sieve which was attached to the collection pan, covered with the lidand then shaken for 30 seconds. Anything that passed through the sievewas then weighed out into a bag as previously mentioned. Coal wascrushed until a total of 2400 g of <250 μm particles had been collected.Added to the coal was a spontaneous combustion product comprising water,an anionic polyacrylamide, and an anionic surfactant. In thisembodiment, the anionic surfactant is alpha olefin sulfonate. In thisembodiment the water is added at 0.7485 gallons, the polyacrylamide at0.926 lbs., and the surfactant at 0.2 gallons.

In another embodiment of the present invention the composition can bewater, an anionic polyacrylamide, ammonium, calcium or sodiumligninsulfonate, and an amphoteric surfactant.

Example 2 (FIGS. 1-7, and 13) Abbreviations Used

OT=Oxygen Tank

NT=Nitrogen Tank

VO=Vacuum Oven

AO=Adiabatic Oven

PRB=Powder River Basin

SOP=Standard Operating Procedure

SC-#=Stopcock (numbers correspond to FIG. 2)

E-#=Exhaust (numbers correspond to FIG. 2, E-2 implies passing throughthe flow meter)

Acquiring and Preparing Coal Sample

There are multiple means of coal sample acquisition. Coal samples areeither collected in 5-gallon buckets at the Powder River Basin or theyare packaged and sent to Midwest by the mines' analysis labs. Large coalparticles are removed from the buckets and crushed using a mortar andpestle. After crushing, the material is transferred to a 250-μm sieve,which is then placed in a collection pan and covered with a lid andhand-shaken for 1 minute. Everything that passes through the sieve isweighed out into a 100-mL beaker on an analytical balance. This is doneuntil 135 g has been collected in the beaker. This process is performedprior to every test to assure that unreacted surfaces on the coal areexposed.

Drying Sample

The crushed test material in the 100-mL beaker is placed on an aluminumshelf in the vacuum oven. SC-1 is turned to be open to NT and SC-2. SC-2is turned to allow flow from SC-1 to VO. The inlet valve on NT is closed(turned counter-clockwise until it turns freely), and the flow controlvalve and needle valve are kept closed (hand-tightened in the clockwisedirection). The cylinder valve on NT is opened (the inlet pressureshould appear on the inlet pressure gauge, but the flow control gaugeshould read “0”). The inlet valve on NT is then rotated clockwise untilthe flow control gauge reads “6 PSI,” and then the flow control valve isopened (at least 3 rotations of the adjustor. [The vacuum/vent valve onVO is rotated to “EVACUATE” and then the vacuum pump is turned on. Oncethe pressure gauge on VO reads “−20 inHg” the vacuum/vent valve isturned to “CLOSED” and then the vacuum pump is shut off. Then the needlevalve is opened slightly (¼ to ½ of a rotation) and the vacuum/ventvalve on VO is rotated to “VENT.” As soon as the vacuum gauge reads “−3inHg,” the needle valve is closed and the vacuum/vent valve on VO isrotated to “CLOSED.”] The procedure in brackets is repeated nine moretimes for a total of ten vacuum/purging cycles. After the tenth cycle,VO is evacuated until the pressure gauge reads “−22 inHg.” The cylindervalve on NT is closed. Turn SC-2 to allow flow from SC-1 to E-1 and thenopen the needle valve on NT completely to allow nitrogen to exit theregulator. Once both the inlet pressure gauge and the flow control gaugeread “0,” close the inlet, flow control and needle valves, and turn SC-2back to allow flow from SC-1 to VO. The vacuum oven is now switched onand the temperature dial turned to 110° C. The sample is left to dry for16 hours upon reaching 110° C. As the sample is drying the pressure inVO will increase due to gas expansion and evaporation of water presentin the coal. Evacuate VO as necessary to maintain an internal pressureno more than 20 inHg (make sure that the pressure gauge reads between−10 and −20 inHg). After 16 hours the oven is turned off and allowed tosit for 3 hours, allowing the chamber to slowly cool. Then, aftercooling for 3 hours, the VO is purged with nitrogen to bring thepressure to “−3 inHg,” followed by a single vacuum/purging cycle asdescribed in the brackets above, with the following exception: ventingis stopped when the pressure gauge reads “0 inHg.” The sample is thenremoved from the oven to be loaded into the sample chamber.

Loading Sample into the Adiabatic Oven

First, ensure that the top and bottom plate insulation are in place.Apply vacuum grease to the gasket and then stick it to the underside ofthe top plate, so that it surrounds the outer insulation. Then the pipecollar is inserted into the bottom sieve and the beaded probes are fedthrough the proper holes in the top plate and inserted into the holes inthe pipe collar. The probe ends should reach the center of the samplechamber. Vacuum grease is then placed around the beaded probes wherethey enter the collar. (If the coal sample is to be treated with eitherwater or chemical, do that now). The coal sample is transferred from the100-mL beaker to the bottom sieve, and then the sample holder is sealedby fitting the upper sieve onto the pipe and pushing it down as far aspossible. Next, the bottom sieve (the one housing the pipe) is placedinto the bottom plate of the sample holder. The top plate is then placedon top of the upper sieve so that the all-thread from the tabs on thebottom plate passes through the proper holes in the top plate. Twowashers are placed over the all-thread so that they rest on top of thetop plate. The nuts are then hand-tightened down to the washers. Thesteel pallet with the other two all-threads is fitted over the hose barbon the bottom plate so that the all-threads pass through the top plate,and then the washers and nuts are placed on those all-threads. Again,these nuts are hand-tightened down to the top plate. All four nuts aretightened further using a socket wrench, making sure to alternate sidesto prevent the chamber from torqueing between the two plates. Aftertightening the plates to create a tight seal throughout the entirereaction chamber, the chamber is set in the wooden support block andplaced next to the adiabatic oven. The first heating cable is fedthrough the appropriate hole on the top plate and wrapped around thesieves, but underneath the all-threads. Insulation material is thenwrapped around the sieves and heating cable, and also underneath theall-threads. An 18″ piece of tygon tubing is then connected to inlethose barb 2. The second heating cable is inserted through the top plateand wrapped around this tubing. Apply vacuum grease to the top of theDewar flask inside the adiabatic oven. Then chamber is lifted off of thewooden support block, the free end of the 18″ tygon tubing is connectedto inlet hose barb 3 and the side insulation for the top of the reactionchamber is fitted over the bottom of the chamber. Lower the reactionchamber into the Dewar flask. Once the sample chamber is in place, thethermostat is inserted into the appropriate hole in the top plate sothat the mark on the cable is at the entrance to the reaction chamber,the top plate insulation is put on the top plate, and then theinsulation functioning as the lid to the apparatus is sealed. The tubingattached to the bottom of SC-3 is then attached to the inlet hose barbon the top plate of the adiabatic oven, and another piece of tubing isattached to the outlet hose barb on the adiabatic oven so that theoutlet flow rate can be measured through E-3.

Running a Test

Ensure that the needle valve, flow control valve, and inlet valve on NTare closed and then open the cylinder valve. Then turn the inlet valveon the regulator to raise the value on the flow control gauge to “12.5PSI.” Turn SC-1 to allow flow from NT to SC-3, and turn SC-3 to allowflow from SC-1 to AO. Use tygon tubing to connect the outlet hose barbon AO to the hose connector on E-3 and turn SC-4 to allow flow from AOto E-2. Open the flow control valve on NT enough that the nitrogen flowform the regulator is determined solely by the needle valve. Open theneedle valve slightly to get the ball float in the flow meter as closeto the “11” mark as possible. Once close, the inlet valve can be eitheropened or closed more to make fine adjustments needed to reach theproper flow rate. The ball float needs to be steady at the “11,” whichcorresponds to a flow rate of 9.807 mL/min. Make sure that the flow rateis stable for 5 minutes at “11.” If the ball float is not reading whereit should be, then adjust either the needle valve or inlet valve toreach the desired flow rate. Once stable at the desired flow rate, theheater is plugged in to allow the reaction chamber to warm up to thedesired starting temperature. This starting temperature can be adjustedusing the “up” and “down” arrows on the electronic temperature controlunit. After plugging in the heater, the digital thermometer is pluggedin and the software opened on the computer. Operate the digitalthermometer and the data acquisition software according to theirrespective SOPs. Do not start collecting data at this point. Thesoftware should be set up to record the temperature between 20 and 60second intervals (at analyst's discretion) and to record indefinitely sothat the test must be ended manually. The tubing at the AO outlet isdisconnected from the E-3 hose connector so that the outlet from thereaction chamber is open to ambient air (this allows any water vapor toescape the adiabatic oven). Make sure that the needle valve, flowcontrol valve and inlet valve on OT are closed and then open thecylinder valve. Then turn the inlet valve on the regulator to raise thevalue on the flow control gauge to “12.5 PSI.” Turn SC-6 to allow flowfrom OT to E-4. When the coal temperature (displayed on the digitalthermometer) reaches the desired starting temperature, open the flowcontrol valve and needle valve on OT. As soon as the temperature of thecoal stabilizes near the desired temperature, begin collecting data withthe thermometer logging software and collect data for 30 minutes whilekeeping the system under nitrogen. After 30 minutes, close the cylindervalve on NT, turn SC-3 to allow flow from SC-5 to AO, turn SC-6 to allowflow from OT to SC-5, turn SC-1 to allow flow from NT to SC-2 and turnSC-2 to allow flow from SC-1 to E-1. Completely open the needle valve onNT to allow the remaining nitrogen to leave the regulator. Once both theinlet pressure and flow control gauges read “0 PSI” close the flowcontrol valve, needle valve and inlet valve, in that respective order.Turn SC-2 to allow flow from SC-1 to VO. Reattach the tygon tubingbetween the outlet hose barb on the reaction chamber and the tubingconnector at E-3. Make sure that SC-5 is turned to allow flow from E-3to E-2. Adjust the needle valve on OT slightly to get the ball float inthe flow meter as close to the “11” mark as possible. Once close, theinlet valve can be either opened or closed more to make fine adjustmentsneeded to reach the proper flow rate. Make sure that the flow rate isstable for 5 minutes at “11.” If the ball float is not reading where itshould be, then adjust either the needle valve or inlet valve to reachthe desired flow rate. Run test for 36 hours or until the coal reaches atemperature of 120° C. Follow the data acquisition software SOP in orderto export and save data.

Example 3 (FIGS. 1, 5, and 8-12) Abbreviations Used

OT=Oxygen Tank

NT=Nitrogen Tank

VO=Vacuum Oven

AO=Adiabatic Oven

PRB=Powder River Basin

SOP=Standard Operating Procedure

SC-#=Stopcock (numbers correspond to FIG. 9)

NV-#=Needle Valve (numbers correspond to FIG. 9)

FM-#=Flow Meter (numbers correspond to FIG. 9)

E-#=Exhaust (numbers correspond to FIG. 9)

Acquiring and Preparing Coal Sample

There are multiple means of coal sample acquisition. Coal samples areeither collected in 5-gallon buckets at the Powder River Basin or theyare packaged and sent to Midwest by the mines' analysis labs. Large coalparticles are removed from the buckets and crushed using a mortar andpestle until the particles are no larger than a pea. Then the sample isplaced in a coffee grinder to further break down the particles into afine powder. After crushing, the material is transferred to a 250-μmsieve, which is stacked on top of a collection pan and covered with alid and hand-shaken for ˜30 seconds. Everything that passes through thesieve is weighed out into a 1000-mL beaker on an analytical balance.This is done until 135 g has been collected in the beaker. This processis performed prior to every test to assure that unreacted surfaces onthe coal are exposed, and to ensure that each test utilizes both thesame amount of coal and the same coal particle size.

Drying Sample

The crushed test material in the 1000-mL beaker is placed on an aluminumshelf in the vacuum oven. SC-6 is turned to be open to NT and SC-7. SC-7is turned to allow flow from SC-6 to VO. The inlet valve on NT is closed(turned counter-clockwise until it turns freely), and the flow controlvalve is kept closed (hand-tightened in the clockwise direction). Thecylinder valve on NT is opened (the inlet pressure should appear on theinlet pressure gauge, but the flow control gauge should read “0”). Theinlet valve on NT is then rotated clockwise until the flow control gaugereads “6 PSI.” [The vacuum/vent valve on VO is rotated to “EVACUATE” andthen the vacuum pump is turned on. Once the pressure gauge on VO reads“−15 inHg” the vacuum/vent valve is turned to “CLOSED” and then thevacuum pump is shut off. Then the flow control valve is opened slightly(¼ to ½ of a rotation) and the vacuum/vent valve on VO is rotated to“VENT.” As soon as the vacuum gauge reads “−3 inHg,” the flow controlvalve is closed and the vacuum/vent valve on VO is rotated to “CLOSED.”]The procedure in brackets is repeated fourteen more times for a total offifteen vacuum/purging cycles. After the fifteenth cycle, VO isevacuated until the pressure gauge reads “−20 inHg.” The cylinder valveon NT is closed. Turn SC-7 to allow flow from SC-6 to E-2 and then openthe flow control valve on NT completely to allow nitrogen to exit theregulator. Once both the inlet pressure gauge and the flow control gaugeread “0,” close the inlet and flow control valves, and turn SC-7 back toallow flow from SC-6 to VO. The vacuum oven is now switched on and thetemperature dial turned to 110° C. The sample is left to dry for 16hours upon reaching 110° C. As the sample is drying the pressure in VOwill increase due to gas expansion and evaporation of water present inthe coal. Evacuate VO as necessary to maintain an internal pressure nomore than 20 inHg (make sure that the pressure gauge reads between −10and −20 inHg). After 16 hours the oven is turned off and allowed to sitfor 1 hour, allowing the chamber to slowly cool. Then, after cooling for1 hour, the VO is purged with nitrogen to bring the pressure to “−3inHg,” followed by a single vacuum/purging cycle as described in thebrackets above, with the following exception: venting is stopped whenthe pressure gauge reads “0 inHg.” With the flow control valve closed,adjust the inlet valve so that the pressure on the flow control gaugereads “15 PSI.” Turn SC-6 to allow flow from NT to SC-1-4. Turn SC-1-4to allow flow from SC-6 to their respective precision needle valves.Make sure that the precision needle valves are closed, and then open theflow control valve. The sample is then removed from the oven to beloaded into the test chamber.

Loading Sample into the Test Chamber and Adiabatic Oven

Remove the cap from the test chamber and make sure that the gaskets,mesh, and spacer are inside the chamber. Treat and mix the coal sampleas required. Place the funnel on top of the test chamber and transferthe coal sample from the 1000-mL beaker to the test chamber.Hand-tighten the cap onto the chamber as far as possible. Insert thechamber into the adiabatic oven, insert the corresponding temperatureprobe through the cap of the test chamber, and connect the 180° tubingconnector attached to the test chamber inlet hose to the correspondinghose on the lattice. As soon as the tubing is attached, open thecorresponding precision needle valve to allow a nitrogen flow rate of 10mL/min (the “11” mark on the flow meter). Once all four samples havebeen loaded, testing can be performed.

Running a Test

Turn on the digital thermometers, set them to measure to the tenthsplace in ° C., and then press “Record.” Open the data acquisitionsoftware on the computer and open the “Capture” window, the temperaturesobserved on the thermometers should appear in the window. Consult thedigital thermometer and data acquisition software SOPs as necessary. Setthe thermostat on the electronic temperature control unit to the desiredstarting temperature for the test. Once all of the temperatures haveequilibrated at the desired starting temperature, set the recordinterval for 20 seconds and then press “Record.” Collect data for atleast 30 minutes under nitrogen to establish a baseline temperature foreach sample. Once ready to test, Open the cylinder valve on OT. Open theinlet valve until the flow control gauge pressure reads “15 PSI.” Thenopen the flow control valve and needle valve, and make sure that SC-5 isturned to allow flow from OT to the lattice. [As soon as a data point iscollected (shown under the interval time in the “Capture” window of thedata acquisition software) turn SC-1 to allow flow from SC-5 to testchamber 1, taking note of the data point number after which the oxygenhad been introduced.] Repeat the procedure in brackets for SC-2-4. Oncea sample reaches 200° C., turn the respective SC necessary toreintroduce nitrogen to the test chamber. As soon as all samples havereached 200° C., press “Stop” in the “Capture” window of the dataacquisition software to stop recording data, close all precision needlevalves, close both the NT and OT cylinder valves, and turn SC-1-4 toallow flow from SC-6 to their respective precision needle valves. TurnSC-5 to open all 3 tubes, allowing excess pressure in both the inlethose and lattice to be released through E-1. Once the flow control andinlet pressure gauges on OT have dropped to “0 PSI,” turn SC-5 to allowflow from OT to the lattice. Turn SC-7 to allow flow from SC-6 to E-2,and then turn SC-6 to open all 3 tubes, allowing excess pressure in boththe inlet hose and lattice to be released through E-2. Once the flowcontrol and inlet pressure gauges on NT have dropped to “0 PSI,” turnSC-7 to allow flow from SC-6 to VO. Follow the data acquisition softwareSOP in order to export and save data.

Although the description above contains much specificity, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merelyproviding illustrations of this invention. Various other embodiments andramifications are possible within its scope.

The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness ofunderstanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understoodtherefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in theart upon reading this disclosure and may be made upon departing from thespirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly,this invention is not intended to be limited by the specificexemplifications presented hereinabove. Rather, what is intended to becovered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contain certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements.

The invention has been described with reference to several embodiments.Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon areading and understanding of the specification. It is intended byapplicant to include all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentsthereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
 1. A composition for inhibiting oxidation, the composition comprising: an anionic, hydrophilic, water soluble polymer; an anionic surfactant; and, water.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polymer is chosen from the group consisting of: anionic polyacrylamide, methylcellulose, xanthan gum, guar gum, and lignin sulfonate.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polymer is either synthetic or a naturally occurring biopolymer.
 4. The composition of claim 2, wherein the surfactant is chosen from the group consisting of sodium alpha olefin sulfonate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate.
 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the polymer is anionic polyacrylamide and the surfactant is sodium alpha olefin sulfonate, wherein the polyacrylamide is between 0.1% and 20% by weight, the sodium alpha olefin sulfonate is between about 2% and about 38% by weight, and the water is between about 42% and about 97.9% by weight.
 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the polyacrylamide is about 10% by weight, the sodium alpha olefin sulfonate is about 8% by weight, and the water is about 82% by weight.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition does not contain a solvent.
 8. The composition of claim 4, wherein the surfactant is sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, wherein the composition further comprises a co-solvent.
 9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the co-solvent is chosen from the group consisting of: diethylene glycol/isopropyl alcohol, diethylene glycol/ethanol, glycerin/isopropyl alcohol, and glycerin/ethanol.
 10. The composition of claim 8, wherein polyacrylamide is between about 0.1% and about 20% by weight, the sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate is between about 0.4% and about 4.8% by weight, the co-solvent is between about 1.0% and about 11.1% by weight, and the water is between about 64.1% and 98.5% by weight.
 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the co-solvent is diethylene glycol and isopropyl alcohol, wherein the diethylene glycol is between about 0.9% and about 10.5% by weight and the isopropyl alcohol is between about 0.1% and about 0.6% by weight.
 12. A method of inhibiting oxidation, the method comprising the steps of: providing a composition of an anionic, hydrophilic, water soluble polymer, an anionic surfactant, and water; diluting the composition with water at a rate of about 1 part composition to between about 10 parts to about 400 parts water; and, applying the diluted composition to an associated particulate surface.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the polymer is chosen from the group consisting of: anionic polyacrylamide, methylcellulose, xanthan gum, guar gum, and lignin sulfonate.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the surfactant is chosen from the group consisting of sodium alpha olefin sulfonate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the polymer is anionic polyacrylamide and the surfactant is sodium alpha olefin sulfonate, wherein the polyacrylamide is between 0.1% and 20% by weight, the sodium alpha olefin sulfonate is between about 2% and about 38% by weight, and the water is between about 42% and about 97.9% by weight.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the composition does not contain a solvent.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the surfactant is sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, wherein the composition further comprises a co-solvent.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the co-solvent is chosen from the group consisting of: diethylene glycol/isopropyl alcohol, diethylene glycol/ethanol, glycerin/isopropyl alcohol, and glycerin/ethanol.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein polyacrylamide is between about 0.1% and about 20% by weight, the sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate is between about 0.4% and about 4.8% by weight, the co-solvent is between about 1.0% and about 11.1% by weight, and the water is between about 64.1% and 98.5% by weight.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein when the composition is diluted at a rate of 1 part composition to between about 50 parts and about 400 parts water, the diluted composition is sprayed on the particulate surface, and when the composition is diluted at a rate of 1 part composition to between about 10 parts and about 25 parts water, the diluted composition is applied as a surface treatment on the particulate surface. 